Stephanie Oakes writes the FitSmart
column for USA WEEKEND and hosts Custom Fit on the Discovery
Health Channel. She also contributes to Discovery Health's SHE-TV
about the latest fitness trends. Oakes has been a regular health
and fitness correspondent for Good Morning America and NBC's
Today Show. She's a former host of the Food TV network's
Recipe for Health.

Missed the chat? Read the transcript below:

Jacksonville Fla : I'm a male and have been drinking Myoplex
Deluxe. Since I began I have gained weight instead of loosing. I do work
out so I don't understand why I'm gaining and not loosing?

Stephanie Oakes: How many calories are in each Myroplex? Are you
using this a as a meal supplement or in addition to your regular meals?
My suggestion is you cut your calories---either from the supplement drink
or from another source.Charlotte, NC : Stephanie, I have been trying to build my gluteus,
mainly I do squats, is this a hard region to build because I haven't
seen much improvement as with my arms and legs? Or am I destined to have
a flat behind?

Stephanie Oakes: Each sport is physically challenging in different
ways...endurance would be cross-country, down hill takes a lot of strength,
And although the ice-skaters look graceful their strength is substantial.
Although the athletes do a lot of sports specific training, many cross train
for maximum results. This includes stretching, weight training, endurance
cardio, and intervals. All the same stuff we do--but on a much more challenging
level (OH yea, they also get a lot of massages)!St. Louis, MO : Stephanie, I've never understood the theory that
you should not eat late in the evening, because you will gain weight. My
philosophy is if you burn as many calories as you take in, then you will
not gain weight. Am I missing something?

Stephanie Oakes: Nope, you're right on track, a calorie is a calorie
and you can consume 2000 throughout the day or all at once in the evening...the
confusion is that many people eat more than they should in the evening--consuming
more than their fair share of calories during this one meal/sitting. That's
when the problem starts...overeating or overindulging after a couple of
glasses of wine.(ever had one too many cookies after dinner?)Comment from Stephanie Oakes: check out my article on Kids New PE
@ www.usaweekend.com Mesa, Arizona : What are some good exercises for Kids who are overweight?

Stephanie Oakes: Try to find a sport or activity that they're interested
in--overall body movement, motor learning skills and play are extremely
important.Comment from Stephanie Oakes: Pick up a book called 'Back in
shape' by my fried Dr. Hockschular from the Back Institute in Dallas
TX...this book has specific exercises designed for people after back operations.
San Francisco, CA : I had surgery several years ago for a herniated
disk. What Calisthenic exercises for my legs and buttocks can I do safely?

Stephanie Oakes: You should be able to do some light weight lifting
including leg extensions, leg curls..also try the resistance bands--they're
adjustable for many different movements.Ishpeming, Michigan : Why don't you teach kids about fitness.
You should start a television show for kids that teaches us about fitness

Stephanie Oakes: Thanks! I did host a show on the Family Channel
(sponsored by Nike) several years ago. I covered all topics related to kids
and family fitness we had a blast, and i learned so much from the kids--maybe
I'll do this again soon!Annapolis, MD : I'd like to work with a personal trainer to reach
my fitness goals, but don't know how to begin my search. What type of
qualifications and professional standards should I look for? And how much
is reasonable payment per hour? I'm not looking to do this on the cheap
but I don't want to spend needlessly either. Thanks!

Stephanie Oakes: Be sure the gym you go to only hires certified personal
trainers. Good certifications include Collage of Sports Medicine, ACE, &
IDEA. Next, make sure the trainer understands (and you explain clearly)
your goals, schedule and commitment to get fit. You're right, it's not an
inexpensive proposition however, many trainers give discounts for "package
deals", and learning the proper exercises for your body is well worth it!Comment from Stephanie Oakes: also, Look up personal trainer certifications
on the web! Indianapolis, Indiana : I need a good program to loose weight. I
have been running alot, but I've been told that lifting is better. Can
you give me a good routine?

Stephanie Oakes: Why don't you run (or cross train with other cardio
exercises) and also lift weights...both are necessary for a balanced exercise
program!Cuyahoga Falls,Ohio : I run and cycle,I take a multi-vitamin,what
would be the best energy drink to use on my long rides of 50 miles or more?

Stephanie Oakes: Technology's come a long way. Gatorade now has a
new product out--it's a fitness water with electrolytes and different flavors.Comment from Stephanie Oakes: check out my web site under "cool
New Products" for other sports drink ideas. www.stephanieoakes.com
bryans road, md : I need to find out what is the best workout for
triceps and abs.

Stephanie Oakes: hi--there are several ways to work each and every
body part...mixing up your exercises is important (our bodies respond to
change). Tricep dips (you can add weight to this exercise), tricep push-ups,
press downs, pull overs. Abs--simple is better the basic crunch (knees bent,
feet on the floor, lifting your upper body to the ceiling) produce the strongest
contractions in the upper and lower abs...you can add resistance to this
exercise as well (light weights or a small medicine ball work best)/Charlottesville, Virginia : Do you have any thoughts on the use of
policosanol, (derived from sugar cane), along with exercise to lower cholesterol
and lose weight?

Stephanie Oakes: Yes, and this can be of great concern. We now know
that these irregular menstrual cycles can set up young women for hormone
imbalances and bone loss at an early age. Please talk with your Gyno about
this--they might suggest you see a sports medicine physician to monitor
your cycles while you continue to workout...they might suggest you take
the pill or other hormones, or they may have you change or alter your fitness
routine. Most importantly don't let it go unchecked for any length of time!Detroit : What do you think of pills like Xenadrine?

Stephanie Oakes: BSpgh, pa : Stephanie, in a workout session, should I do cardio first
then hit the weights, or vice-versa? Or does it even matter? thanks

Stephanie Oakes: I really think this is personal preference...many
people like to lift first--i prefer to do cardio first--this seems to give
me energy for my weight work sessions...the other way around zaps my energy.Washington D.C. : I am a teenage male who has always had trouble
gaining weight and keeping it on. I am hesitant to try weight-gaining drinks
because they are expensive and I don't like putting unnatural products
or chemicals into my body. What is the best way to gain weight and be healthy
doing it?

Stephanie Oakes: I commend your thought process...natural is always
better! To gain weight slowly increase your calorie intake (200 to 300 extra
calories at first...when you see results then alter your intake either way)be
sure you include some extra lean protein into your diet, especially after
your workouts.Comment from Stephanie Oakes: if your up early
on Tuesday Morning (Feb. 26th) check out NBC's Today in NY...I'll
be showing all the latest Fitness gear for Spring and summer...example:
adidas now has a new total mesh running shoe, Puma has a kickboxing shoe,
Sony has colorful (to match your running shorts or swim trunks) mp3 players,
and Nike's all weather gear in breathable fabrics makes outdoor workouts
very cool!